1217 USMC Fighting/Utility Knife (7-inch, Leather Handle) - Image 1
KA-BAR

1217 USMC Fighting/Utility Knife (7-inch, Leather Handle)

Last verified by the Lifetime Picks Editorial Team

Why we picked it

1095 Cro-Van carbon steel holds a keen edge and is exceptionally tough

Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty against defects in material and craftsmanship for the lifetime of the original purchaser.Made in: USA

The KA-BAR 1217 is the standard against which fixed blade durability is measured, having served US Marines since World War II. The 7 inch clip point blade is forged from 1095 Cro-Van carbon steel with a black powder coat, giving it serious edge retention and brute toughness that stainless alternatives struggle to match. The stacked leather handle is a classic that improves with age and grip, and the included USMC leather sheath is built to last decades. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty and made in the USA, this is a genuine buy it for life tool that gets passed down rather than replaced.

Limited lifetime warranty against defects in material and craftsmanship for the lifetime of the original purchaser. Made in USA Fixed Blade Hunting Knives
$106.15Latest on Amazon Buy from KA-BAR Cheapest on eBay

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Community & Review Summary

4.7/ 5

337 Amazon reviews

0%

r/BuyItForLife satisfaction

0

Total mentions (0 positive)

#632

in Fixed Blade Hunting Knives

Price History

May 31, 2026: $106.15Jul 4, 2026: $106.15
Jul 25Jul 26

We began tracking this price on May 31, 2026. The chart fills in as more prices are recorded; see CamelCamelCamel below for older history.

View full price history on CamelCamelCamel

Pros & Cons from Reviews

Pros

  • +1095 Cro-Van carbon steel holds a keen edge and is exceptionally tough
  • +Made in the USA with a limited lifetime warranty
  • +Stacked leather handle ages well and offers a secure grip
  • +Time-proven design trusted by the military for over 70 years
  • +Includes a durable USMC-branded leather sheath

Cons

  • -Carbon steel blade requires oiling to prevent rust
  • -Leather handle and sheath need occasional maintenance
  • -Heavier and less compact than a folding EDC knife

Independent Video Reviews

Hands-on reviews from independent channels (not the manufacturer), covering what they like and what they do not.

KA-BAR Fighting/Utility USMC Knife Review: Too Old? by gideonstactical
Does the KA-BAR USMC Suck? by MNWoodland

Warranty & Returns

Warranty

Limited lifetime warranty against defects in material and craftsmanship for the lifetime of the original purchaser.

Return Policy

Most items are returnable within 30 days of receipt for a full refund. Some categories have shorter return windows.

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